THE family of a young Coventry schoolboy mauled by a bull mastiff dog seven months ago say their lives have been turned upside down by the attack.

Nine-year-old Daniel Donnell still bears the scars of being viciously savaged and may still need plastic surgery.

He still has nightmares, won't play outside and is scared of dogs he doesn't know.

His mother Jackie, who works as an ambulance driver, has changed her shift patterns so she can pick him up from St Gregory's Primary School, in Wyken, every day.

And she said either she or her husband Jez spend anything up to two hours a night lying with Daniel until he falls asleep as he won't go to bed on his own.

Jackie, aged 42, a mother of three, of Abbeydale Close, Binley, said: "The attack has left him so traumatised.

"His brother Anthony used to pick him up from school every day but he wouldn't have it after the attack.

"He wanted me to do it so I changed my shift for the patient transport service, so I could meet him every day.

"I believe every dog which poses a risk should be muzzled in public.

"Daniel still bears the scars of the attack and still faces the prospect of plastic surgery."

Daniel's grandmother Gillian Fagan, of Gleneagles Road, Wyken, said the tragic death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson in St Helen's on New Year's Day had brought the bad memories flooding back.

Mrs Fagan said: "My heart goes out to the parents and little girl who was mauled and killed by the pit bull terrier.

"When Daniel was attacked he needed 21 stitches to his face. He had visited a friend and had passed the dog in the kitchen when, with no provocation, the dog lunged at his face causing horrific injuries.

"Daniel will still not go to bed on his own, fearing the recurring nightmares he still has, and will also not go out to play.

"He still has the scars on his face to remind him of his terrible ordeal."

The family were visited by police at the time of the attack but were told criminal law did not allow police to take action in these particular circumstances.

The officers had explained the situation to Mr and Mrs Donnell and advised them they may be able to take civil action.